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Despite the narrow scoreline, Everton were never really good enough to hold a candle to the reigning Premier League Champions as Carlo Ancelotti failed to engineer a win in a disappointing showing at the Etihad Stadium.

More changes from Ancelotti despite a winning performance at Newcastle at the weekend: the Blues boss has made five changes to the side that defeated Newcastle United on Saturday.

The five players that were due to come into the side following the Boxing Day win over Burnley all dropped to the bench and are replaced by those who made way for the game at St James' Park.

That meant Seamus Coleman, Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph and Bernard were all supposed to start this clash at the Etihad and Michael Keane, Leighton Baines, Tom Davies, Theo Walcott and Moise Kean drop to the bench.

However, Bernard was somehow crocked by Mina in the warmup and was replaced in the lineup by Davies.

Jordan Pickford remains in goal, Mason Holgate continues at centre-back, Gylfi Sigurdsson plays in central midfield and Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin play as the two upfront.

Everton started well and could have scored when Colgate tested Bravo. But City controlled the game well after that and looked to have gone ahead on 12 minutes when they sliced through the Everton defence. But it was ruled out by VAR for offside, something of a let-off for the Blues in Black.

Man City put another one over the top and Digne tugged down Marez who had already been flagged for offside but VAR insisted on checking for a penalty... possible handball, No given. Bizzare.

Another City Ball over the top and Everton were opened up again when Jesus lashed over. Coleman did well to dispossess Gundewan. Sidibe's cross was too deep after more good work by Coleman. At the other end, Mendy cut down the left and Marez forced a good save from Pickford.

De Bryunne was clumsily blocked by Mina in midfield earnnng the Columbian a yellow card. Everton started to compete better for the ball in midfield but could still not get anywhere near the Man City area as the home side largely controlled play. Foden was the next to get through and fire from an angle at Pickford.

Jesus got in again and laid back a perfect opportunity for Marez, who fluffed it. Calvert-Lewin got a rare moment on the ball but immediately gave it away sloppily. Everton won a corner kick in stoppage time but Mina headed behind when he should've done better. Everton walked off at half-time somewhat lucky to be level.

5 minutes after the restart, Jesus took a simple ball and curled the ball past Pickford off his fingertips to finally open the scoring. Calvert-Lewin won a corner for Everton that was delivered well enough back to him, but Calvert-Lewin got over it and nothing came of it.

Richarlison got a rare chance to run with the ball but was almost immediately dispossessed with Everton unable to make any headway against a far superior team, Ancelotti seemingly unable to alter the inevitable trajectory of the game, Walcott unlikely to be an effective game-changer.

And another simple move through the middle saw the ball slammed into the net by Jesus for a killer second goal. Richarlison ran at the City defence and softly yielded the ball. Kean replaced Sigurdsson, although it was unclear how much of the ball the young Italian would see.

But it was Keane who chased and harried, and almost had a chance to beat Bravo but backed off the challenge. Bravo then fired a backpass at pace to Fernandinho, who didn't control it. The ball eventually found its way to Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the right side of the area, whose low ball to the far post is fired in by Richarlison.

A good ball in to Kean saw him try an acrobatic finish which did not come off. Foden git through again but Digne took the ball off him very skilfully, no penalty despite the screams from the Citizens. Jesus got in again and almost broke the post in half with a vicious shot that Pickford hardly saw.

Davies earned his now almost automatic yellow card for a typically late challenge. Jesus forced another good save from Pickford as the home side pressed forward strongly to try and wrap up the game.

A rare Everton attack saw Calvert-Lewin bring down a long ball that should have been hammered into the net. But that would have required finishing that is well beyond the youngster's current skillset. Calvert-Lewin dived in on Fernandinho from behind, getting the ball and a yellow card in the process.

Everton survived a couple of corners but could not get the ball forward with enough pace and guile to create anything. They did win a late corner themselves in stoppage time but it was headed away and Ancelotti tasted his first defeat as Everton manager.

Could do with some points today- the teams below are winning again.Funny old season. City nowhere near as strong on paper as in the past though their bench is good.I wonder??

Brian Wilkinson 4Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:44:06

Agree Mike, good starting 11 that.

Brian Wilkinson 5Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:49:18

Is Lossl still out injured, cannot find any news ?

Jay Wood[BRZ] 6Posted
01/01/2020 at
16:53:08

Very good management of limited resources over the Xmas and New Year congested fixtures.

City will always have a potent midfield and attack whoever they play, but their back four of Mendy, Fernadinho, Garcia and Cancelo, plus Bravo in goal, can definitely be got at.

Can we exert enough pressure in and around their penalty to exploit them?

Hopefully, Carlo has a cunning plan.

Kieran Kinsella 7Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:04:53

Glad to see Citys best players bar KDB o the bench

Tony Everan 8Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:05:52

Good line up, Sidibie playing midfield has been a success, and Carlo is trying to keep it fresh. A good strategy, and this team gives us our best chance.

Jerome Shields 9Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:11:21

Mike#2

I think the midfield trio is Sigurdsson, Delphi and Bernard. Mina as anchor Centreback, with Coleman on the left centre back, becoming left back with Sidebe in front of him. Holgate Centre Back on the right, moving into the right full back position with Digne in front of him. Sigurdsson and Delphi will come deeper with Bernard having a free attacking midfield role. Richardson and Calvert Lewin high pressing, knock downs and attacking the ball on the near post and centre.

It is a Offensive Everton today.

Robert Tressell 10Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:17:17

They have an 18 year old centre half playing. Hopefully DCL will bully the hell out of him

Steve Ferns 11Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:19:30

Bernard is out and Tom Davies is in. Bernard not even on the bench, so must be injury.

To quote Lyndon on twitter: "How do you suffer an impact injury in a warm up?"

Andy Walker 12Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:21:58

Was feeling quite confident until Bernard injury and replacement with Davies. Bit of a disaster that. Hope Im wrong but can only see defeat now. Bernard had played in a more central role under Carlo and looked much better. Replacing with Davies is a downgrade.

Brian Williams 13Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:26:13

Don't know about "impact injury." Looked like a pull or strain on his outer calf, not far below a couple of scars on his outer knee, presumably from prior surgery on that knee.One of those unfortunate, out of the blue, shitty things that happen.

Christy Ring 14Posted
01/01/2020 at
17:49:28

It seems Bernard was injured from a Mina tackle, in the warmup? Strange.

Simon Dalzell 15Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:01:54

This is more like the Everton we know so well. The last few games just a blip.

Christy Ring 16Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:13:40

Simon @15, A bit much, we are playing the league champions, at the Etihad. We're playing a high pressing game, and Mina's early booking, makes it alot tougher.

Steve Ferns 17Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:24:19

Well, 0-0 at Half Time. I will take it. But we were hardly in the game. We're lucky it was offside, otherwise we might be dead and buried if that had counted. We need to improve greatly in the second half to escape with a point.

However, it is refreshing to hear Steve McManaman say Ancelotti was going mad when we were constantly playing backwards. Maybe, he will get us playing to our strengths in the second half by playing a bit more direct, paying faster, and using Calvert-Lewin's aerial ability against City, as he has shown he can beat them.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 18Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:29:22

Simon @ 15.

Nice to have you in the trenches alongside us.

That was a good half by Everton. Weathered the early storm. Kept calm. Still playing it out from the back. Putting some yards into City's legs chasing the ball. Keeping them largely at arm's length. Maintaining for the most part a disciplined back line and continuously catching them offside.

Not allowing them to get in behind down the flanks as they did a couple of times early in the half. Arguably, Coleman's chance in the opening 10 minutes is the best one of the game.

Quite a compliment that Pep modified his line-up to accommodate us.

Pickford solid. Mina having another blinder. Holgate composed. Coleman could do with a little more help from Sidibe when defending. Digne quiet. Delph also composed. Davies in their faces. Siggy delivered some nice passes, but coughed up possession to easily also. Richarlison needs to hold up the ball better. DCL really not seeing much of the ball.

Could get something from this. But then, their bench is pretty awesome.

Brian Williams 19Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:35:54

Again I wondered how long it would be before somebody slated the team when they struggled, which was bound to happen against the very top teams.Some just can't wait for us to fail, seem to even will us to so they can have a go.It's a funny old world.

Ciarán McGlone 20Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:36:06

Silva, Aguero and Sterling warming up... frightening.

Good half of football from us.

Brian Williams 21Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:37:23

Yeh Ciaran their bech is shit isn't it? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Brian Williams 22Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:39:43

*bench

Steve Ferns 23Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:41:13

1-0 City. Well, it had been coming, even though I thought we had looked better second half. Let's see how we respond.

Ciarán McGlone 24Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:42:26

We've more injuries than casualty. Cant really complain about a defeat here.

Simon Dalzell 25Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:44:16

Brian / Christy. Just being Honest. You're watching a different game. We're garbage.

I've been in the trenches for 50 plus years by the way. I'm optimistic for the future. Just commentating on THIS game, against an under strength City.

Yes we've got injuries, but should be much better .

Steve Ferns 26Posted
01/01/2020 at
18:47:54

Getting ripped apart now. City are still the best team in the league for me, but this is not their best side. We have looked poor all game and we need to pick ourselves up and get going again.

Steve Ferns 27Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:00:20

Much better there, showing some fight. Maybe this one is not over.

Michael Lynch 28Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:23:42

2-1 flattered us to be fair. 5-0 would have been a better reflection of what went on today.

Tony Hill 29Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:28:14

A poor performance regardless of the opposition. We showed no courage. This will not, of course, define our season but I confess I found our approach to the game dispiriting.

If we play in anything like the same way on Sunday, we will be trounced.

One to put behind us very quickly.

Jim Bennings 30Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:28:32

Ill take losing this if we can muster up one big push on Sunday but we need to start being a bit more precise in midfield and wide areas.

I think Carlo will know that we need a dynamic wide player/winger and a classy lockpicker of a central midfielder.

Too much breaks down with Walcott whilst Bernard has lovely feet hes really just much of a muchness now after a promising start to his Everton career 18 months ago.

We would benefit so much from midfielders that regularly chipped in with goals also, you look at the goal return from that particular area of the pitch and its not very nice reading.

On to Sunday, thats the big one lets not kid ourselves, hopefully we can go there and get a replay from it and get them back to Goodison under the lights.

Steve Ferns 31Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:28:39

Well, at 2-0 City took their foot off the gas and let us have a go. We were bolder, because we had to be, and it paid off with a goal. We then suddenly began to play and show what we were all about. If only we had played like that all game, maybe we would have had a chance.

I think it remains that our biggest problems are in central midfield. Of course, we are still without long term injury victims JP Gbamin and Andre Gomes. Neither are guaranteed to make a full return. I think we need to go all out to sign a top central midfielder. Doucoure could have been an option, as he was out of form, and Watford were clearly heading for the drop. But he's back on form, and they are back winning, so I doubt they would sell him as they now have a fighting chance of staying up. But I think Brands needs to find such a player on the continent who can get hold of the ball and drive us up the pitch quickly. I think we need a centre-back as well, but that can wait until summer as it's in midfield where we need to make changes to win these games.

Ernie Baywood 32Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:28:40

Yes, 2-1 flattered us. That looked like a tired team tonight, though City make most teams look tired. Richarlison in particular looked like he had nothing in the tank. I was surprised he stayed on - then he scored!

Too easy to pick at individual players.

But the positive is that we've got our basics back. We're pretty organised and you can bet we'll carry on fighting in games. That have would have blown out in the past - not now.

Mike Allison 33Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:31:09

So frustrating; one of the best aerial centre forward in the league against some makeshift centre backs and we spend the whole game passing it backwards and sideways.

We played three direct balls to Calvert-Lewin near the end and nearly nicked a point. The players dont seem to trust themselves to put a decent ball into a dangerous area.

Tony Twist 34Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:32:38

Can't afford to give games away so cheaply. Relegation still a real possibility with Watford, villa and West Ham getting their act in order.

Jim Bennings 35Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:35:40

P.S

Have we ever been good at corner kicks since the days Moyes had Cahill and Fellaini?

I feel now rather than get a corner kick we should just let the opponent have a goal kick it seems that pointless because even when we do send a decent one in none of our lads ever seems to win the bloody thing.

Conor McCourt 36Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:36:35

Let's not be too critical. We have taken 6 points from Carlos 3 games which we would have all been happy with beforehand.

Yes tonight was poor from start to finish but the last 20 minutes we at least showed some spirit. A bit disappointed how negative we were considering their defence and we were never really in the game. Perhaps we just didn't have the legs to compete after two tough matches. Now need to get ready for the cup.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 37Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:36:47

These days there is NEVER an 'understrength' City side.

We were NOT garbage.

Poor marking and then poor recovery by Mason Holgate - who otherwise played well - gave them the all-important opening goal just 5 minutes into the 2nd half. That changes the entire complex of the game.

They vastly improved. We started looking leggy. But even so, more poor marking by this time Mina - who otherwise was possibly our MoTM - let in Gabriel Jesus who showed with both his goals the benefits of having such a predatory finisher.

Ancelotti didn't meekly surrender the game. All his subs were bold and somehow we dug deep and got a second wind.

Personally, I was surprised Richarlison stayed on. His sole contribution to the game was to first intercept Bravo's poor clearance then follow up to score. Otherwise, he looked burnt out today. Very poor hold up play and didn't get past his man once running with the ball.

City clearly the better side. They merited the win. But praise to our boys too for not folding and keeping us in the game into the final second.

No way would a 5-0 result have been a 'better reflection of what went on today.'

Steve Ferns 38Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:39:52

Guys do not be too downhearted.

Ancelotti came in after the Arsenal game, he had 5 days before his first game against Burnley. Then he had two days before Newcastle. And now 4 days until this one. And that's without thinking about how many days we played the last 6 games in.

The players have been playing one game per week for most of the season, they are not conditioned for two games a week like the likes of City have been playing for years. So, when we play 6 games in short succession, it is going to have an effect. Of course, they are physical athletes and can handle it, but if they are just 1% off their peak of physical fitness it can show significantly. City were able to rotate and play a slightly weaker, but fitter, line-up. Then there is the mental element. I believe that this makes the bigger difference, as that's what the pros seem to talk about, that it's harder to be "switched on".

Anyway, as above, Ancelotti's only just arrived. The games have come too thick and fast for him to do anything other than just prepare them for the next game. We have one more game to go in our sequence, the Cup Derby at Mordor. Then, Don Carlo has the time to work with the players as we shift back to one game per week. This is when he can get hold of the players and work with them.

Let's also not forget that we have the "winter break" this season, we are one of four teams to play on 8/9 February, but we have the following weekend off. I'm sure Ancelotti will use this free weekend to take the players away for some warm weather training and then we can see some changes.

Keep the faith blues.

Brian Wilkinson 39Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:40:01

Nearly a decent result there for me at 33/1, City under three goals, Everton to score one or more goals, City under 8 corners, Everton over three corners, under 4 bookings in the match done me the barstewards.

Lets just hope we do not set up like that again on Sunday, need to have a go and get further forward

Jim Bennings 40Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:45:33

Biggest wish for Sunday is that hopefully no matter how leggy or tired we understandably are, we have learnt our lessons from the December Anfield trip.

Im hoping that we can keep it tight, keep it steady and not panic in possession like so often at Anfield we do, and hopefully we can believe in ourselves that we can get a result there.

I know people are saying relegation is still an issue, of course its a possibility because the league is that tight, but for most fans the whole of this week the talk has been focused on the Merseyside derby this Sunday.

If we can still be in the Cup draw on Monday night then that instantly gives the club and fans another big boost.

David Thomas 41Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:46:13

Steve 31,

I agree. I know people on her love him but we cant be trying to move forward playing Davies and Gylfi etc in midfield. We need to improve the spine of the team in the summer but this month we definitely need to bring in a midfielder who can bring the ball forward and speed the tempo of the game up.

Our current midfielders give what theyve got but theirs not enough power and pace

Barry Rathbone 42Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:47:36

Got slated for saying how dreadful we were the other week well there's your proof, kids.

Not me, you, santa, Carlo or Jesus himself could make this lot into winners and challengers Brands needs a serious plan for requisite wholesale improvements and it has to start this month.

The Carlo honeymoon could be over before he's put his PJs on the bedside table otherwise

Tony Hill 43Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:48:00

Certainly, Steve @38, but Mike @22 is also correct: we stopped doing what we have done well over the last 4-5 games and reverted to the timidity of sideways and backwards passing.

City are obviously superior but there were no positives in that game for us. I agree, let's see what happens over the next couple of months once Ancelotti gets going.

Paul Hewitt 44Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:48:41

So we lost away 2-1 to City, no great shock.

Jerome Shields 45Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:51:01

Good team performance. Let Down by individual performances. Siggs and Davies not up to speed. Sidebe not tracking back. Ancelotti did manage the game well. Had limited options, . Possibly so many games together took it toll, on a threadbare squad.

John Cook 46Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:51:01

Didn't play to our strengths today DCL feeding off scraps,Richarlison non existent unlike his Brazilian team mate Jesus who was great.On a personal note,my wife is out of intensive care now.,everything looking brighter although she will need a lot of caring when She gets home.I would just like to again thank all you guys for your kind words and concern and to wish all ToffeeWebbers and Blues all the very best.May you all live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.NSNO

Tony Abrahams 47Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:52:46

Good post Ernie, I thought the same about Richarlison, and also thought we definitely improved once Kean came on for Sigurdsson.

City were quality, but Everton kept at it, which is something I hope is going to be the norm for us now, but we lacked pace and guile in the middle of the pitch, and once we find this, we might not be as far away as it looks right now?

Steve Ferns 48Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:53:12

Tony #43, dunno what you watched the game on, but I watched it on BT. I have to take Steve McManaman's word for it, but he said that Carlo Ancelotti was going mad at the players for their fannying about at the back. He wanted it played forwards more quickly, more purposefully, and more directly. Which, goes back to my point that Ancelotti has not had any time to work with the players on a coaching level to drill them into playing it how he wants them to. So, this could give you some hope eh, Tony?

Phillip Warrington 49Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:53:41

Our defenders were always getting caught out today because their first movement is to position themselves to pass back to Pickford.

Today also showed we badly need a midfield player who can keep up with the play offensively and defensively, but most importantly who has enough skill to unlock the opposition's defence and give our forwards opportunities where they're one on one with the keeper instead of having to beat players to get shots on goal. It must be hard for our forwards when the first action of our defence and midfield is to go backwards.

With all the other results going against Everton, we are still only 5 points from relegation. I don't understand why Sidibe and Walcott continually get game time; defensively both are huge liabilities and both continually give the ball away when trying to execute the most basic of passes. Yes, Walcott had a shot on goal that missed. Lucky for us, Richarlison was following in and slotted it home.

Steve Ferns 50Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:54:03

John Cook, that is great news. Very pleased for you. I hope you can enjoy a belated Christmas celebration together.

Jim Bennings 51Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:57:03

John

Wishing you and your wife a Happy 2020!

Clark Hughes 52Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:57:24

Bit leggy today but 2-1 isnt the end of the world vs the champs, that result wont sap confidence the way. 5-0 would have.

Not too unhappy but Id like to see us a bit more positive in possession, the lack of midfield creativity/goals certainly suggests new signings needed this month

Tony Hill 53Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:57:47

Yes, I agree, Steve. No loss of hope at all, mate, but it was a bad one. We must show more on Sunday, a defeat to their second string (probably) would be hard to take.

David Price 54Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:58:17

John that's the best news i've heard today,kind of puts sport in perspective.Happy new year to you your wife and family

Pat Kelly 55Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:58:26

Ancelotti must now realise he doesn't have the players he needs to play the type of football he wants. He has to build a team on the bare foundation he has. He has his work cut out.

Jerome Shields 56Posted
01/01/2020 at
19:58:36

John#46

Glad to hear you wife is improving.

A good start to the New Year.

Tony Hill 57Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:00:29

Hey, John @45, fantastic.

Tony Abrahams 58Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:00:56

Thats more important than getting three points today JC, and that was a lovely little phrase you used, but you know what we all want mate, a fucking victory on Sunday!

Jerome Shields 59Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:01:23

Steve #48

Interesting that Ancelotti was not happy with passing around the back and slow getting the ball forward.

Kunal Desai 60Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:01:54

This game was essentially a free hit. Anything from today would have been a bonus. In some ways the defeat is good. Brings us all down to reality and the hard work starts for Ancelotti in identifying one or two areas for business he needs to do in January, but he's probably learnt a lot more of which players he'll look to keep in the summer and beyond.

I expect us to move up that league table this month and next month with the run of games coming up.

Tony Hill 61Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:04:11

West Ham coming up will be interesting, Kunal @60.

Steve Ferns 62Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:05:06

Pat, I was thinking of writing an article on that point. Carlo is the type who does work with what he has, a tactician rather than a coach. He builds on top of what was there before. This obviously works better with better players who are falling just short, and he can then use his nous to take them to the next step and that's why he wins trophies.

My concern remains that Ancelotti is not a top coach who can build a side from scratch. He has never been one to go on the training pitch and make players into something different than they already were. This is what Silva was meant to do. To take some raw materials and craft a side out of them.

The window is open now. We will either get the (ready made) players Ancelotti needs, and he can put them together like a jigsaw puzzle to build a side, or we go out and get a top coach who can do the coaching for Ancelotti. And by the way, forget the paper talk of Beniamino "Mino" Fulco. He is Carlo Ancelotti's son-in-law and a nutritionist, he is not some dynamic young coach.

John Cook 63Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:06:41

Agree with you T we want a win Sunday, but if we can't win it don't lose it.I would take a replay under floodlights at Goodison anyday !

Jerome Shields 64Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:06:51

Didn't like the sideways passing. I thought it was forced on us for being too slow.

One weakness that I spotted with Davies is that he waits for the pass to come to him, rather than moving on to it. This loses him time and allow opposition players to bottle him up , spoiling his play and results in loss ball, as he loses possession.

Jamie Crowley 65Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:09:27

Five League games after the FA Cup tilt takes us to our "other nightmare run of fixtures."

Five games, 15 points. And no, I'm not kidding.

I'm not ready to give up on this season just yet. Carlo will make us better.

Joe McMahon 66Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:10:22

We need the injured back, as i'm still not after all this time convinced enough about Tom Davis.

Jim Harrison 67Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:12:07

Just lost, away, to the reigning champions and one of the most expensive squads ever assembled. By one goal.Move on. Its not intended to be defeatist, but the time for blind optimism is before the game, afterwards better to have a more pragmatic/realistic take. Can analyse it until kingdom come. Base line, better squad, better manager, at home.

Dave Abrahams 68Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:12:27

Definitely the midfield is where we lack the mobility, nous, quickness of thought and energy, and we will continue to struggle in a lot of games until this is sorted out. Richarlison frustrates the life out of me with how easy and how often he gives the ball away, hes had many more poor games than good ones this season, thought we might have got a point out of this game, like a few teams this season against City, but those teams attacked City, we didnt, although it seems that the manager was urging them to go forward more.

Pat Kelly 69Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:15:16

Steve, you may well be right and time will tell. I think we have a lot of players that coaching wouldn't make much difference, they're just not good enough. We need proven players who are still in their prime. We can't go on signing the likes of Delph, Tosun, Walcott etc. No point hiring a formula 1 driver for a Reliant Robin.

Christy Ring 70Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:15:45

I know chances are limited playing City at the Etihad, and when Bernard cried off, it changed the shape of the team, and we saw very few crosses for Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, which was very disappointing, especially against there make shift centrebacks. Still very lightweight in midfield, Delph has no physical presence and Ancelotti has to bring in a strong midfielder in the window, even though Gbamin is making good progress, he's still a long way off first team football.

Jerome Shields 71Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:15:45

Richarlison passing has always been his weak point.

David Thomas 72Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:19:26

Carlo has got a huge job on his hands and Im confident he is the right man to do.

The squad is lacking real quality in all areas of the pitch.

When Klopp improved the spine of Liverpools team with Allison, Virgil and Fabinho they were transformed.

Whilst we may not be able to do it all at once we need to in the next year or so do the same thing otherwise we will continue to sit behind the top teams

Tony Hill 73Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:21:32

A consistent problem is our ball retention. We seldom hold on to possession over a long phase. This has been true under all recent managers. Baffling.

Brian Wilkinson 74Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:21:40

Great news that John, heres hoping for a great new year to you and your family.

Danny Broderick 75Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:22:51

Familiar failings exposed against a very good team. Sigurdsson anonymous, and apart from his goal, Richarlison was awful. His general play is just not good enough. He gets his goals, but dont be fooled.

Generally, we looked dangerous on the break. It was pleasing to see us trying some balls over the top to run onto. The substitutions were positive, and we at least had a good go at them, especially in the last 20 minutes. But to get anything today, we would have needed all 11 players to be at it, and we only had about 7/8 who were at it.

Jim Harrison 76Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:26:41

David 72

And how long did it take him, how much did it cost?He was given time and resources. There was a point 3 seasons ago where nutters were questioning him!!

Phil Smith 77Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:28:03

Team looks tired. Cant understand that other teams bring in from the youth teams to freshen things up and we have one of the best U23 squads in the country. Cant we bring 1 or 2 in to give a few guys a rest? Look at what happened to Newcastle today. 4 injuries in one game! Same will happen to us if we dont manage the squad better. Some of our lads look tired today. Kids in for the cup game, please. League is top priority.

Paul Jeronovich 78Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:30:34

The level of opponent was the issue today, quick passing and movement killed us. Why, because there isnt enough pace or composure in the midfield. Once Carlo addresses this we will look more comfortable against City and Liverpool. The honeymoon period with Carlo isnt over, his patience with the players will be.

David Greenwood 79Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:30:40

Great news John.

Steve Ferns 80Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:30:56

With Jean-Philippe Gbamin, I was told that he his thigh effectively "exploded" and that he will have significant scar tissue along the muscle that will be liable to tear again whenever he is fatigued and stretching the muscle, particularly if he is cold. I was told that we should be weary of him making a full comeback and that even if he does, it'll be a couple of seasons after that before you can be sure he is over the injury.

With Gomes, you have to fear that his ligaments might be messed up. Ankles and ankle ligaments are tough things to injure and some never fully recover from damaging them. He relies on his ability to get a foot in and turn sharply, using his size and strength to shield the ball and either draw a foul or hold the man off and play the pass. Without a 100% recovery in the ankle he would not be able to do this, and so would lose a significant part of his game.

Tony Abrahams 81Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:36:30

I personally thought it was only our two centre-backs who did well Danny B, and Delph was neat and tidy, just ahead of them, with the rest looking a little bit jaded,

No real penetration, but we kept at it and whilst hes nowhere near just yet, Im glad Moise Kean, is getting more game time, because this is the only way its going to go for him, eventually, and there does look to be a player in this kid?

David Thomas 82Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:38:08

It cost a fortune Jim, but presumably that is what we are going to spend as well as I cant imagine Ancellotti signed up for a few years of simply trying to improve the likes of Davies, Iwobi and Keane etc.

Steve Ferns 83Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:38:12

Phil Smith, who? Have you seen the u23s? We won the league and shipped them all out on loan or sold them off.

In central midfield, where we do need to freshen things up, even the likes of Beni Baningime is injured. I'd have loved to see Gordon get another game. Carlo is clearly looking at him, but he is another who thinks he is not yet ready.

Other than Gordon, you're talking Antony Evans, who really is a championship player. He just needs the loan to prove it. At 21, his time is running out, and he is not good enough for our first team, just yet. A good loan and maybe he might kick on.

Ellis Simms is still adapting to the u23 level, he is not ready and he is only 18. Gibson and Feeney are injured or just back. Kyle John looks an interesting talent in his conversion to right back, but he's a long way behind Sidibe and Coleman. Tyler Onyango looks a fantastic midfield prospect, but he's only 16. Then there's really no one else. So, don't look to the u23s mate. We're struggling this season for good reason.

Don't just take my word for it, Brent Stephens never misses a home game (I think he lives close by to the ground in Stockport!), and I bet he won't disagree with me.

Paul A Smith 84Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:38:34

Men against Boys today. Moving forward and as horrible as it is to say but that could be positive in the long run.

Ancellotti said before the game its a good chance to see where we are at. Now he knows. Sunday will also tell him more.

The squad needs major improvements. Always did. Quality is lacking and there is too many youngsters having to go through rough patches.

Our 2 wins were narrow and I was made up with them but realistically we haven't played a good side since early December.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 85Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:40:51

I am waiting to hear that we are again being charged by the FA for tapping up.

Burnley have lost at home to Villa, their 5th defeat in the 7 games since Marco Silva was sacked and Dyche mentioned as a possible replacement. They are now just 2 points above the relegation zone.

Bournemouth's 4-0 defeat at West Ham has now dropped them into the relegation zone and they have taken 4 points from 21 since Eddie Howe was touted as a possible replacement for the sacked Marco Silva.

You can just see it - we will be blamed for these two clubs recent demise and how their managers are were unsettled.

Me, paranoid? I'm an Evertonian. Course I am.

Thomas Lennon 86Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:41:56

We took on a well oiled machine, playing at home. They looked good, accurate, played at pace, everyone knows what they are doing after 4-5 years of work and development.

We took them on with effort and heart more but when we tried to play at the same pace we continually gave the ball to them. It is going to take work, organisation and individual improvement but when we can do that we will be top 4.

Dave Abrahams 87Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:42:22

John (46), thankfully you got the good news you were hoping for, good luck to you and your wife in the future, hopefully she will make a full recovery in the coming months, best wishes to all,of your family.

Steve Ferns 88Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:42:50

Phil #85, I recommend a dry January for you!

Stephen Brown 89Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:46:30

Steve 80

Thats really worrying on those injuries to Gbamin and Gomes. No offence but I really hope this prognosis is wrong?!

When are they expected back?

I wonder if any of our USA posters know of any suitable players from the US league that could be a suitable loan option?!

Paul Birmingham 90Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:50:42

The result, flatters, it could have been 5-2, and it was only the last 25 mins the Everton team lost its timidity and found the belief again that had got lost with out trace with Marco Silva.

But in context, new boss, heavy fixture list, little training time, its a good return from 2/3 games.

Why we stood off and gave them so much respect kills, but the effort and belief of the last 25 mins, should be shown from start to finish, and by the whole team.

Against our neighbours hopefully, we will shoot from outside the box, and show for full belief and will close down and get the communications and simple passes in place.

Im very pleased and take hope that we have a great manager, and given time, patience and support can turn Everton around.

Now to rebuild and get up for a proper full battle for 98 minutes at our old ground on Sunday.

Frank Crewe 91Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:50:44

Very disappointing. All through the first half Carlo was shouting at them to pass the ball forward but they were just too scared to do anything expansive. We should have played it long. We started to after we scored but it was too late. Maybe losing Bernard in the warm up had something to do with it. But if we chicken out like that at the weekend we'll be on the end of another thrashing.

Paul A Smith 92Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:52:56

Stephen 89 I wouldn't worry mate. If its true then the top qualified coaches and doctors we have know it too and they will be replaced by new signings..

They have to be if its true.

John 46. Made up for your Mrs and wish you and your family a better time going forward.

Mike Connolly 93Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:54:14

Positives from this match is that Carlo would have got a good reflection of most of our season from one game. He will realise that the Midfield is slow and no creativeness about. He will also note that Tom Davies is no way a EPL player. He can't tackle, pass to his own player or shoot. However, what Tom is good at, Yellow cards. That's because when he does go for a tackle his timing is out, he missis the ball always, thus conceding a foul. But to be fair most of the team were off the pace today. Time for some magic Carlo, welcome to Everton.

Mike Dolan 94Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:54:52

We didnt play too badly considering. We looked a little tired which is understandable. We are crying out for a creative midfielder hopefully this can be addressed this month.

Steve Ferns 95Posted
01/01/2020 at
20:59:52

Stephen, no prognosis on Gomes, I just fear with ankle injuries of his significance. Mostly as I was forced to stop playing football in my 20s after exacerbating an ankle injury I first suffered at 17.

With both Gomes and Gbamin, I hope the fears are misplaced. Regardless, I would sign someone this January to replace them.

Peter Neilson 96Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:06:52

Seemed like a game too far just no energy. We kept our shape well but a lack of creativity in midfield is one for Carlo to solve. Theres no supply to the forwards. Gylfi isnt a defensive midfielder but hes also too slow to play further up front. Was never going to be an over night fix. Onwards to Mordor.

Jerome Shields 97Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:07:30

Steve #83

Not good news regarding Gbamin. I was looking forward to his return. It puts the rumours regarding Rodriguez in a different perspective.

Gomes won't want to risk too much, when he returns. It may take him a while to rehabilitate.

Schneiderlin will definitely be playing the FA Cup. match.

It's seems that Everton do nothing else but but midfielders.

'Son is one dirty player ', said that to my nephew who was watching Chelsea g Tottenham as I left to go home. Heard him get sent off on the car radio. Had the cheek to do the same hard luck act and appeal the read card.

Paul Birmingham 98Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:08:12

John, @46, great news, and the very Best to You & The Family, for 2020, and a swift full recovery for your wife.

Denis Richardson 99Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:11:36

Result as expected but not embarrassing. Time to move on. Brighton at home next league match should be more our bread and butter and that should hopefully be 3 points to keep moving up the table.

Before that big effort needed on Sunday with a week to rest before BHA.

Time to prepare for Sunday.

David Connor 100Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:14:50

Result as expected to be honest.

So much shite we need to get rid of between now and next summer: Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Tosun, Walcott, Bernard, Niasse, Delph, Kean. None of these players are good enough in my opinion to move the team forward so a massive overhaul is needed. Ancelotti must know these are not good enough.

Off-loading the shite we have won't be that easy, I suspect... The players he will bring in will definitely be better than what we have now. I just hope they can adapt to the rough and tumble of the Premier League. We will find out soon enough.

Over to you Carlo Good luck

Rob Dolby 101Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:16:24

Bit dissapointed today.We need to be on the front foot otherwise teams realise that we don't have anyone who can defend.

We needed to go long early. I would have also played Kean from the off.

I expected a City win but wanted to at least scare them a bit.

We need some strength down the middle. Ancelotti has to bring in at least one centre mid in January.

Steve Ferns 102Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:17:37

Jerome, James Rodriguez would either play in the Sigurdsson role in a 4231 or in the front 2 or 3. He's not a central midfielder, and when he plays but is not controlling everything, he looks like the ultimate luxury player, strolling round doing nothing. I really hope we don't sign him as he would cost a fortune in fees and wages. Money that needs to be spent on a deeper player than where he plays.

Jamie Evans 103Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:18:47

Men against boys at times today, but we are moving in the right direction. Carlo knows his onions make no mistake let me tell ya.

John Cook @ 46, good luck and god bless to you and your Mrs.

John Keating 104Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:29:21

At times we were trying to be like City with all the passing around at the back unfortunately we are not like City and it mostly came to nothingBiggest disappointment for me today was the poor passing when we had the ballYou know we won't get the possession when we play City so when we do have the ball we have to keep it and create somethingI thought today we failed miserably

Getting something from City was always going to be difficult and a bonus

Dave Williams 105Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:37:32

John Cook- lovely news which puts football into perspective. On that subject the game was pretty much what was expected. Carlo needs proper time and some new players to be able to properly tackle the likes of City and RS. This game will no doubt help him to see who will and who wont make the cut with him and without Gomes,Bernard and Iwobi we were shorn of our most creative players. We are where we are for good reason and it will take a while to sort out. I do hope that Steve Ferns is being a little over- pessimistic about Gomes and Gbamin but he is right that we need midfield reinforcements now and cannot wait to see if they can come back. A dictator in the middle of the team is required who can control the play and intimidate the opposition. Who it is I havent a clue but I know of someone who will!!

Brian Williams 106Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:38:28

I can't say I'm surprised at the outcome today. All out effort and "guts and glory" football will only get you so far against teams that have a multitude of stars at their disposal.Having said that I still think we were short of being at our best.When you play City you have to be at your best.We all knew/know we're in need of more than a couple of quality players for us to improve beyond a certain amount.Be interesting to see who, if anyone, we get to help us achieve better things.JP may only be a few weeks away and I think he'll be a big plus, as will Andre Gomes when he returns.

Ray Jacques 107Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:50:41

Just back from the game. We were totally outclassed in midfield where Davies,Sigurdsson and Delph are all pedestrian in terms of both pace, speed of thought and the ability to move the ball quickly to a team mate.Ancelotti will have learned more about the players again. Give this man time as he will sort it out and get rid of the ones who are never going to be good enough even with his coaching. We finally have a world class manager, but he cannot perform miracles and make us a match for City in one week.Some of the comments on here are a disgrace. The man needs two to three years to resolve the shambles he has been tasked to resolve.

Peter Mills 108Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:57:10

John Cook - great news.

We just werent up to the mark today. Our players were tired, their players are very good. Carlo wanted a draw, He set up a defensive, Italian defence. Had Seamuss effort gone in, or Mina scored on half-time, his game plan might have worked. That didnt happen.

After that, we were always going to be stretched. It wasnt a disaster, move on.

Tony Everan 109Posted
01/01/2020 at
21:59:20

Outclassed today in midfield. With 1st choice centre midfielders Gomes and Gbamin out this was always going to be the case. Man city have just got too much quality running through the team.

I think Carlo will be looking at bringing in a quality proven centre midfielder soon, initially on loan maybe. Probably someone he has worked with.

Shaun Laycock 110Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:03:43

Not unexpected. Tried hard but to no avail. Had chances but didn't take them. Don Carlo made changes which resulted in more pressure further up the pitch as they were beating our high press easily.Ball retention was poor - perhaps should have been a bit more direct. Onwards to the next game. Maybe Don Carlo can get the Morgan firing on all cylinders again. Would help with the centre midfield issues.

John Pierce 111Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:23:07

There is a lot of mitigation to go around. The heavy fixture list, no midfield to speak of due to injuries and a new manager bedding in. Less we forget City swapped out several players and did look disjointed themselves.

I liked the formation and selection. I didnt like the tactics. Sitting back often made us have a flat back five. We got way to deep. Playing around the back curtailed their momentum however we didnt draw them onto us and try to go over their press often enough.

Their back line was aerially challenged and we simply didnt attack them at their weakest point. When we belatedly did they looked very vulnerable. Our corners which were not great still yielded chances and free headers. That long direct pass never really came until late in the game. Its seemed, sadly to come once the game had gone.

Pep loses games when the ball is contested and the second ball becomes a lottery, he hates losing control of any part of a football game. Ancelotti didnt exploit our key strength here.

A couple players who stood out for me for the wrong reasons. Coleman, ‘looked like he had a decent game, but his tendency to turn inside and back when receiving the ball, may have kept possession but it gave us nothing going forward. SidIbé maybe a lunatic, but he offers much more and once the game opened up he became brighter. His ball to Kean, for example something Coleman will never give us. Tom Davies really struggled, mostly because of the late inclusion but he was second to everything. Overall, a very timid performance but Ancelottis changes did affect the game. Ancelotti will get a great idea from today of what the team can do against better opponents, I expect an adjustment for Sunday.

Mike Connolly 112Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:23:30

Id like to know who told the players to keep passing sideways and backwards in our half and penalty area. The commenter said Carlo was going berserk about it. Sounds like the players took it upon themselves to do it. Hope Carlo gets a grip, it was that type of football that seen off Silva.

Anthony Jones 113Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:29:35

Disappointed he didn't go back to 4-4-2. Duncan and Ebrell showed it works when playing superior sides.

3 at the back is risky when the team you're playing has 3 elite players across the front. They cause confusion with quick movement between the zones. Jesus found the gaps especially well.

Liverpool destroyed us in Marco's last game. Hoping Ancelotti bins off 3 at the back for the cup game.

Tony Hill 114Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:30:58

Yes, Mike, if Ancelotti was so furious about it then its worrying that the players largely ignored him until it was too late..

I suspect it was part of a plan but one we failed to execute.

Robert Tressell 115Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:50:32

Not seen the game - just highlights. Disappointing that DCL couldn't get at their centre halves (unless the highlights were misleading). Disappointing too not to snatch a draw. There will be ups and downs though and the football might be a bit turgid while we find a system that suits. One thing struck me with the highlights was an absolute beauty of a pass for holgate and some lovely passing and moving for the coleman chance. Good aggressive pressing for our goal also. For those who saw the game, what is the missing ingredient? Quality midfielder?

Mike Gaynes 116Posted
01/01/2020 at
22:54:49

John #46, mazel tov. Best way possible to start the New Year.

Mike Connolly 117Posted
01/01/2020 at
23:12:13

missing ingredient Robert?

about 8 top quality players. You were lucky to just see them two highlights of Holgate and Coleman. From an Everton perspective pretty dire

John Boon 118Posted
01/01/2020 at
23:19:56

The Premier league this season is completely confusing. Top teams lose to weaker teams and the unexpected occurs weekly. Prior to the ManC game I thought that this could also be a win for us based on the fact that there had been so many surprise results.

I could not have been more wrong. We deservedly lost to a better team. Despite the result I wasn't nearly as disappointed as I had been when we lost earlier in the season. I still saw some positives. I thought Pickford,Coleman, Calvert Lewin, and Kean all put in a decent shift, but thatis not enough against a team like Man C.

On a final note and one that many may not agree with, I really don't think we are fit enough. I am fully aware that it is tough at this time of the year and we do have some significant injuries. I just think we are often outrun and don't close down opponents quickly enough.

I am very confident that Ancelotti will be aware of the problems we have at Goodison. I have a lot of faith in him and I do think that he will have learned more from todays loss than he did in the two wins that we had.

James Doran 119Posted
01/01/2020 at
23:25:20

We need a centre half and 2 central midfielders this Jan.

Bill Watson 120Posted
01/01/2020 at
23:39:19

Jaded is not the word; we looked knackered!

There are so many injured midfielders that it's virtually a case of 'if you're fit you play' and no chance of being rested. Now Bernard has rejoined the list!

Not surprisingly, City bossed the midfield but when we did get the ball we seemed to promptly give it straight back. Not a good idea against City!

The January window priority must be to strengthen this area.

Christy Ring 121Posted
01/01/2020 at
23:40:51

We desperately need a strong and physical midfielder, Delph and Siggy beside him are lightweights, as for James Rodriguez a luxury player, who definitely wouldn't suit us, maybe wait until the summer and try and get Grealish. But a player we should try and bring in now, Steve Nzonzi, a strong defensive midfielder, on loan at Galatasaray, from Roma, the French man would be a big improvement, and wouldn't be too expensive, considering he doesn't fit in at Roma.

Bobby Mallon 122Posted
02/01/2020 at
00:08:44

Watching the highlights tonight. Sidibe was very poor in his defensive duties. He just stopped and let Jesus walk past him very sloppy

Jerome Shields 123Posted
01/01/2020 at
00:36:29

Steve#102

You are right regarding Rodriguez. He looked to have it all, but subsequently was as you say a luxury player. Having thought about it, I go back to my original opinion that he does not fit Brands age profi!e and would be similar to what we have got.

The big problem in midfield is the same as it has always been lack of speed of movement and pass completion. There where numerous misp!aced passes and slow play forcing the play side ways.

I wonder if Sam has any ideas on who would be suitable and available. He had high hopes for Gbamin.

In my opinion Brands and Ancelotti will have a meeting next week. Hopefully we are still in the FA cup. Our neighbours will want to concentrate on the Premiership and the Champions League, so I believe that game is up for grabs.

Brands and Ancelotti would want the extra games of a FA run and will make a assessment whether the present squad can achieve European qualification.

I have my doubts that they will purchase in the January transfer window. It is more likely to be loans, unless Zouma or Docoure are purchased. The squad is more likely to be strenghened in the Summer Transfer window. Unless Ancelotti has someone in mind for Brands to look at.

Ancelotti will have learn't alot about the potential of the squad and area that needed worked on. It was not beyond the realms of reality that Everton could have got a equaliser today.

This is the third match under Ancelotti and he will know that it will take longer to get Everton playing to his required standards. Everton have a good run of fixtures in the early part of the year where Ancelotti work on tactics and coaching p!ayers in the basics of their team role, should pay dividends.

Ancelotti did say in his recent press conference that it was difficult to change things, given the number of fixture over Xmas and the New Year.

Bill Gall 124Posted
02/01/2020 at
01:07:35

With the transfer window coming up we will have to loose money to get rid of most of the deadwood who we have under contract. There will be no use in trying to recuperate the fees we paid out for the likes of Bolasie, Cucu,Martin and others as clubs will not pay it.

The priority I think will be for a strong midfield ball winner that can pass, plus a commanding central defender,hopefully Gomes will be back with the injured French midfielder this month to help in midfield.

It seems Ancelloti will be playing for the highest points he can get for this season and make plans for next season, this will give him the chance to check on younger players at the club himself, instead of taking the word of the coaches. Before buying he will see how many of the present playing staff are comfortable in the playing style and system he wants to implement

Although the league is irregular with the results. I think he has been left a major problem to get to about the 8th position with a chance to make it to the 6th position. We may have a good cup run but fate has dealt us a cruel blow, with us hoping our opponents put out a weakened team

I believe Ancelloti has been brought in for the long haul not the short one and this season he will just stabilize the club and make a serious attempt to get into a European competition next season.

Don Alexander 125Posted
02/01/2020 at
01:16:23

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Ancelotti has an impressive CV based almost entirely on taking top teams to the pinnacle of success almost always based on quickly signing at least two or three superlative players.

If Moshiri doesn't/cannot find the money to facilitate such enterprise Ancelotti's star will, in the world of obscenely overpaid players and agents, wain just as fast as Ranieri's did at Leicester City.

Ancelotti's contract needs to be respected by Moshiri by way of providing very significant funding immediately, otherwise he and we will be deemed by the football world as a continuing lame duck, as we have been throughout Kenwright's tenure.....

....... and by the way, nobody but some of US alone now recognise our 'istory.

Dick Fearon 126Posted
02/01/2020 at
01:20:44

Mike @112 plus others, not all the moans about our square and backward passing were coming from Carlo tech area. 12,000 miles away in the early hours I also was screaming at my TV in frustration at that utterly negative circulation of the ball between our defensive mid field and backline. A throwback to the worst period of Bobby Brown shoes.It is useless and dangerous as proved against teams like the RS and City that are lightnig fast on the break.

Derek Thomas 127Posted
02/01/2020 at
01:31:25

Ancelotti...if he didn't know it already...got to see the true measure of his task. City's squad players, in poorish ( for them) form, playing at 90% did enough to see us off. They hit the post, had one rule out for offside, and Pickford made a couple of good saves.

We seemed to play better when we went to 442...but it could've been City eased up a bit.

Had we gone 442 from the off, we might've scored more...and still been on the wrong end of a new year goal fest.

I said it about Silva, I said it about Koeman...and probably the others too...'The game, alway was, always is, both won and lost in the Mid Field'

Until we get a Proper Midfield Unit be it of 3, 4, 5 whatever - and not a collection of poorly performing...and sometimes it has to be said, poorly selected, Individuals, playing in seperate individual positions, DMF, (X 2 ffs) No. 10, No.8 etc, etc. Not much will or can change.

Oh and some Intensity - Ferguson Vs Chelsea, even Suarez, Rogers and later Klopp have shown what that brings to your results.

I don't think that Klopp will put out an Aston Villa League Cup kids team this time. But a full throttle performance on Sunday could get a result if they're not too arsed.

I don't think we'll see big money spent this month, maybe a couple of try before you buy loans.

We will get enough points to be looking up the table at who we can reel in, (Sheffield United minimum) not down to see who is on our tails

One game at a time and review in June, where the Euros will complicate matters for July and August.

Mike Gaynes 128Posted
02/01/2020 at
02:15:00

Derek #127, I think you can be certain he already knew the true measure of his task from watching the club for several weeks beforehand.

Si Cooper 129Posted
02/01/2020 at
02:17:54

First of all, best wishes to John Cook and his loved ones, and hopefully a better 2020 overall for us all.Sean Dyche berated his team for ‘lacking the courage to put the ball at risk in important areas which I think Carlo Ancelloti would agree with for our performance today.Surprised Fabian Delph gets a positive neat and tidy from some as he just hasnt got enough (left) to improve us anywhere near enough from what I have seen. Not the combative protective screen Id hoped for as a minimum, although Id guess he was bought mainly for cover and to play against lesser teams where his nous and experience may be enough to counter his lost speed.Been looking for news on some of our injuries on the OS. Baningime isnt even down as injured and Gbamin was put in as returning in January (which I would assume meant available for first team duties) but there doesnt appear to be anything more specific or current on either of them. The club keeping the cards close to its chest? Movements in the transfer market may give a better insight into the expectations for those players.

Si Cooper 130Posted
02/01/2020 at
02:30:19

Does anyone know if FFP includes any consideration for long term injuries?

Ed Prytherch 131Posted
02/01/2020 at
02:30:46

Lack of movement from our midfielders is the reason that we faff around with sideways and backwards passes, there is rarely a safe forward pass. Surely that can be corrected on the practice field.

Si Cooper 132Posted
02/01/2020 at
02:43:17

Ed, it may depend on whether the players lack the guts to risk it when it counts. That includes showing for the ball in the middle of the park. Ive often thought when reading some of the stick our recent managers have come in for that ‘they cant have coached the players to ignore the basics can they? I think that was the point of the Dyche quote on Burnleys performance I referenced earlier, which I think applied to us today as well.

Derek Knox 133Posted
02/01/2020 at
03:56:12

Disappointed but not surprised with the result, how can you get injured in a warm up, and by one of your own team-mates?

As has been mentioned our Centre Midfield was not at the races, they were off the pace, too far away from the action, and appeared scared to try and win the ball. Against an outfit like City, that is inviting the inevitable.

Still, the scoreline was not as bad as it could have been. They will have to be better on Sunday, or that is the end of any Cup involvement till the new season starts.

I think a foray into the Transfer Market is a must, whether that be loans with option to buy, or the full deal, they must decide who needs to remain and who is simply not good enough.

Not too worried about up front, which may sound strange, but I believe once the midfield and defence are improved, it will give the front runners more opportunities, and the goals will come.

I believe we need a General in midfield and ideally another goal-scoring midfielder to take pressure off the forwards and give them more licence knowing they don't have to drop back defensively.

Add a quality Centre Back, and we should be good to make some sort of assault for the rest of the season, and perhaps even get a Euro spot.

Ajay Gopal 135Posted
02/01/2020 at
06:13:45

I think it was a mistake to play Richarlison today - he was knackered by the end of the Newcastle game. Nothing that he did came off today (except for the goal) and he kept gifting the ball back to Man City players. I dont blame him - it was just probably a game too much for him given the amount of effort he puts into each game. It is a treat to watch how well the Man City play with the ball, it almost seems effortless. And therein lies the clue as to why the best teams also look the fittest- they simply do not have to do the aimless running around that our players need to do. Most of the game, Davies, Siggy, Delph, Sidibe, Richy and DCL were chasing shadows, no wonder they were totally tired by the 30th minute. When you have a team that plays like a well oiled machine, the individual parts are less stressed and last longer. Our only player who looked remotely like a ‘Man City player, was, not surprisingly, Fabian Delph. But when he is surrounded by players who are not schooled in the art of ball retention, ball protection, trapping the ball at speed, 1 touch pass, etc., even he has to revert to the ‘pass and rush school of play. The big challenge for Carlo (and all our previous managers) is to find the ‘Everton way, which works for the players at our disposal, to be able to grind out results, take the percentage approach, like (I say this with gritted teeth) Moyes used to do long ago. It wont be pretty, but that can wait until Carlo has some time to work with his players as well as build the team with players who play to his style.

David Thomas 136Posted
02/01/2020 at
07:27:05

As many have pointed out above its obvious our midfield is the main issue.

There is many areas we need to improve in the team to seriously compete but its clear that the midfield has to be the key area in the short term that needs improving.

Davies, Gylfi, Morgan and Delph simply arent good enough players to push a team forward to the upper levels of the league.

Jim Bennings 137Posted
02/01/2020 at
08:42:41

Ancelotti will know by the summer who is good enough, who is not good enough and Im quite sure that this time next year quite a few of the players in this team will have been moved on or confined to mere squad member.

Money wont be an object and Ancelotti will use his own influence to attempt to sign better class of players.

Whilst he has had some good things to say about the players, hes hardly going to come in after a week and say they are awful is he?

Hell know full well that we need miles better quality in that midfield, more athleticism, more creativity and more mobility because from the left right across to the right of midfield its been far too weak and far too one paced.

Hell be looking at solving that and also the defence still needs a bit more steel in my opinion, Holgate has improved a lot but positional wise he struggles whilst Mina never seems to convince me that he can handle nifty strikers.

Looking at the highlights again, defensively we werent tight but Pickford probably would have saved Jesus first one if hed been two or three inches taller, keeper gets a hand on it then he should always keep the ball out.

We were just too sloppy though in general, tired, and its times like this when the limitations of players is on show more.

Martin Berry 138Posted
02/01/2020 at
08:47:06

The missing G Force of Gomes and Ghamin does not help much, added to Bernard being injured in the warm up scuppered what chances Carlo had of getting something from this game.Our ball retention was poor and you notice City foul when you have got it to get the ball back to allow them to play tippy tappy again.Our shortfalls will not have gone amiss Carlo will sort it all out given time.There is a nucleus of a very good team at Everton, with a few addtions we will be up there.

Jerome Shields 139Posted
02/01/2020 at
09:29:34

The problem is that Everton has a large squad, but due to a poor transfer policy have players who are not up to standard on film star contracts, this also caused Brands, on a budget, to take risks on injury prone players. Brands was not helped by Evertons reputation as being a bad career move, and interference by other Directors particularly dying the Summer Transfer window. If Everton had bought SZaha, there would have been no Ancelotti.

Ancelotti reputation may solve the latter problem. There is no doubt that Brands and Ancelotti if given a freehand could produce a title winning squad. Ancelotti must think he can help Brands achieve such a squad inspire of the background problems.

There still needs to be changes at Board level if Ancelotti is to achieve Evertons full potiential. Asking Brands and Ancelotti to carry underperforming Directors and Internal Management will not work.

Dave Abrahams 140Posted
02/01/2020 at
09:32:03

Ajay (135), Ajay, regarding Richarlison, “ It was a game too much for him, and kept gifting the ball to the City players” Ajay in case you havent noticed, he did this in August and September, I put it down to his summer games with Brazil, then he did it in October, November, December and yesterday, he always does it, gives the Ball away too easily, poor passing, making the wrong decisions, shooting instead of passing to better placed teammates, then passing when he should be shooting, Ajay for me he is very overrated, but I suspect I am in a very large minority with that opinion, but I wont be changing it.

Mike Benjamin 141Posted
02/01/2020 at
09:48:40

The MAJOR problem at the moment is that partly due to injuries and poor buys the centre of midfield is not good enough and just too slow. Just one quality addition in that area would transform us,

Kim Vivian 142Posted
02/01/2020 at
09:52:44

"...small...", Dave. Small minority.

HNY :-)

Conor McCourt 143Posted
02/01/2020 at
10:21:37

A few points of analysis I disagree with

1-Our midfield was the problem last night. I don't believe this to be true. I feel only our back three were decent and even they cost us goals. Midfield is certainly our weakest area but against City the wing backs and forwards were just as bad and Sidibe for me was our poorest player. You need more than a few players performing to get a result against them.

2-A lot of the analysis seems to centre on the players. I think Carlos tactics have escaped criticism. In the preceding games he made tactical tweaks which rightly have been given credit for getting the 3 points but tonight he set up to try and frustrate City. They are at the weakest at the back and teams that take the game to them often force them into mistakes as we did for the goal. It was never a game we were entitled to win and is a respectable score line but I felt we never gave ourselves a chance and I have seen poorer teams than us cause them greater problems.

Derek Knox 144Posted
02/01/2020 at
10:24:59

Mike@ 141, yes I agree there but with our injury history/jinx we need two, just in case, if it pisses the others off, then so be it, put in a Transfer request.

If they are 'genuinely' wanting to get back in the first teams plans, it'll make them try harder and keep them on their toes, this shoe in attitude if available, has to change.

What a Hard Taskmaster I am, I know, but they're getting a fortune for, in many cases a Gravy Train Season Ticket!

John Raftery 145Posted
02/01/2020 at
10:49:53

Richarlison works his socks off for the team. No player has made more tackles, none tracks back as fast or as often as he does. Apart from Pickford no player has played more minutes in the past month than he has. Yes, last night was probably a game when he ought to have been rested yet who else in our current squad would have popped up at the far post to score?

If Richarlison is a problem we have serious problems in every other position in the team. My own view is that the priority area to be addressed is central midfield. That was weak before Gomes was injured. Without pace and power our attempts to play through midfield will always fail against the top teams.

One of the reasons the players look knackered is that they have had too many games in the past month chasing the ball against teams enjoying over 60% possession.

On a different note last night both teams committed eleven fouls in the game. Yet we finished with four yellow cards, City with none. De Bruyne was guilty of repeated fouls to halt our attacks but went unpunished by Marriner who always favours the big teams at home.

Darren Hind 146Posted
02/01/2020 at
10:54:11

John Cook.

Fantastic news. Great to see this year starting a little more positively. for you and yours

Steve F.

Dont talk about the article, get it done

David Midgley 147Posted
02/01/2020 at
11:25:37

Yes players are tired but very unfit and not much heart. Too,too much of the basico not right.No leaders on the pitch which is different from being the captain.How many thought that it was Marco telling them to play sideways and backwards ? Well he's gone. But ? Constantly giving the ball to an opposition player. Not occasionally but continually.We play in Royal Blue are they colour blind ? It's like knocking a nail into a piece of wood. You hit your finger. "Ouch, that hurts " Then you do it again and again.

These aren't gifted amateurs. They are professional. They have been coached at a football club probably for the past 15 years or so. Too many at the club have bluffed their way on the field and off. We've probably all worked with similar types, they get away with it for years.

Imagine working at Laird's. They give you a plan and you keep drilling the holes in the wrong place.How long would you last ? " I'm sorry you're just not good enough " You'd be out the gate and up the road.

I want us to be mathematically safe but I want more especially that Carlo and Marcel give the club a good shake from top to bottom.Happiness and health to you all and as George would say "Good vibes" to Mrs.Cook and family.

Dave Abrahams 148Posted
02/01/2020 at
11:32:33

Kim (142) small minority it is, thank you, very small at that.

John, you like Richie, fair enough, he does track back quite a lot, mostly after he has given the ball away when losing it too easily, Dominic popped up at the far post on Saturday to score the winner versus Newcastle, a few of his tackles have produced fouls, once or twice bookings, for a Brazilian his ball control leaves a lot to be desired and I wouldnt say his dribbling is a lot to be admired, but its all about opinions John, one mans meat is another mans poison.

Derek Knox 149Posted
02/01/2020 at
12:31:25

David @147, you can get a nail-gun quite cheaply these days, and gloves, might improve your DIY Technique. 🧤😋

Si Cooper 151Posted
02/01/2020 at
13:57:00

Richarlison is our top scorer, a current Brazilian international, works his socks off most games, and fails so many times because he tries things so often. Rough edges still but he is what, still only 22? We wouldnt be able to replace him for the price we paid.

Dave Abrahams 152Posted
02/01/2020 at
14:12:08

Si (151) Si, actually Dominic is Evertons top goal scorer this season, and he has played much less than Richie, splitting hairs there, to be honest I think Richarlison has scored one more league goal, maybe two after last night, but again Richarlison has played much more than Dominic.

Jay Harris 153Posted
02/01/2020 at
14:47:13

Dont know why Brands didnt go for AAron Mooys on loan. He is just what we need and is doing a great job at Brighton but lets hope he has a day off next Saturday.

Justin Doone 154Posted
02/01/2020 at
14:53:56

Most people may not be surprised by the result but I was really disappointed with the amount of backwards passing.

The amount of times we had an opportunity to cross the ball into the oppositions box only for it to be back with Pickford to hoof upfield 20 seconds later really grates me.

It's great to retain possession if your winning but we appear to have taken a couple of steps back over the last week.

We seemed a little nervous about getting the ball forward or testing their backline with a bit d irect running and passing forward into space for players to challenge.

Early days I know, but the simple basic football from Ferguson may have got us something from games like this.

As for our pressing we are mostly terrible but when we do press as a team (that means stick to your man not chasing the ball or shadows) we managed to get a goal, same as against Newcastle.

I want more front foot, forward attacking football with a plan. Not panicky players who slow it down and pass backwards from advanced positions. No more Schnides. NSNO

Steve Ferns 155Posted
02/01/2020 at
15:05:35

Dave, Dominic has scored 8 league goals and 2 in the League Cup. This is from 19 out of the 21 league games, and he has only started 14 of them. For the first time in his career he played the full 90 in more than 3 consecutive games, the last 6 to be precise, and lo and behold he then scored 5 goals in 5 games.

The xG numbers for those interested are very impressive:1226 minutes8 goals2.64 shots per 90 minutes6.97 xG (compared to his 8 goals this means he's scored an extra 1 than he should have and indicates a good finisher)0.51 xG per 90 minutes.

The 6.97 xG is a figure that can only go up, it cannot go down. DCL has already beat last season's figure of 6.17 (when he actually scored 6 in the league). His shots per 90 remains almost identical. But he's better across the board. So almost a goal better on xG, 2 real goals better, and all in 537 less minutes (just under 6 less games).

If you look across the league and take out all the players who have played less than 300 minutes then the top 10 for xG per 90 has DCL joint 10th in the Premier League. That's level with Mane. Ahead of him are 8 of the best forwards in the league:

David McGoldrick (of Sheffield United) is an excellent example of why xG is a great indicator of a striker. He has an xG of 7.12. This means he should have at least 7 goals. His xG per 90 is slightly higher than DCL at 0.53 (that is a goal about every 180 minutes) and yet he has scored 0 goals. So xG tells you he has missed the equivalent of 7 open and certain goals. Chris Wood is high for xG but his conversion rate shows he is a poor finisher.

What the figures also tell you about DCL is the same thing as always. The boy can finish. He has always been able to finish. But he does not get many chances, as his shots per 90 is too low. 2.64 shots is just not enough. He needs to pull the trigger more often and could do with some coaching to help him take the shot earlier in the way Kane does. Kane's figures show you that he is not having a good season at all.

Danny Ings is having a great season. By comparison his stats are:21 games1468 minutes13 goals2.94 shots per 90 minutes8.39 xG (so he's scored 4.61 goals more than he should have)0.51 xG per 90 so level with DCL.

If we then look at Everton as a whole:Moise Kean gets off 3.79 shots per 90 minutesCenk Tosun 3.41Theo Walcott 3.14DCL 2.64Richarlison 2.46

So, there's hope there for Moise, he is getting shots in and DCL can learn from how he is able to create shooting opportunities.

A metric I've not mentioned yet is passes that led to shots, per 90. Our list is as follows:Digne 2.42Sigurdsson 2.29Bernard 1.50Iwobi 1.37Tosun 1.24Sidibe 1.14Richarlison 1.08Moise Kean 1.05Walcott 1.00Gomes 0.92with DCL 11th on 0.66 with Coleman.

The above clearly shows who are creative players are and Sigurdsson's numbers surprised me. Clearly creating more than I have given him credit for, and Digne is clearly the most creative player.

Now to complicate matters, as each shot has an xG rating based on how likely it was the shooter should have scored, you can assign this value to the passer to give an xA rating for the quality of the pass where A means assist. This means you can see if the passing actually was creating quality chances. So the list from above with the xA per 90 added is as follows:

So what does this mean? Digne's delivery is producing an assist every 5 games. He had 4 assists last season, his xA was 7.71 last season meaning we squandered almost 4 certain goals from his delivery, but his xA per 90 last season was 0.23 so he has not dropped as much as you might think. He has 3 assists this season, and only got 4 in the whole of last season.

I mention Digne as he is a great benchmark for us, our most creative outlet, so 0.20 xA per 90 is a good barometer. So Bernard's getting the ball to people who are getting shots off, but those chances are poor, either bad angles or too far out. Tosun was very high on the list for shots, but clearly the xA tells you what he creates is poor quality chances. Sidibe was a surprise for the shots list to be so far down, but his xA per 90 of 0.19 shows the quality of his delivery, which is why he has matched Digne's total of 4 assists last season in just 13 games this season. This is an example of the numbers backing up what people call the "eye test". Sidibe has the best delivery from wide.

Iwobi is down on Sigurdsson for creating shooting chances, but again, what he creates are better shooting chances. But the biggest surprise is Moise Kean. 0.28 xA per 90 is the best at Everton.

These numbers tell you that whilst Moise Kean has scored 0 goals and got just 1 assist, he is able to get of our highest number of shots, is boasting the second best xG per 90 (after DCL), and that xA per 90 shows what he does create is of significant quality.

I know stats aren't for everyone, but I thought some might enjoy it. You'll find the raw materials here: Link

Steve Ferns 156Posted
02/01/2020 at
15:48:48

I forgot for a minute that we had a world class striker in Romelu Lukaku so here is DCL v Romelu Lukaku

DCL (as copied from above so for this season):1226 minutes8 goals2.64 shots per 90 minutes6.97 xG (compared to his 8 goals this means he's scored an extra 1 than he should have and indicates a good finisher)0.51 xG per 90 minutes.

This 25 goal season was his best of the last 3 seasons at Everton. His first season was before they started collating figures for xG. Lukaku is usually around 0.50 for xG per 90, going from 0.39 to 0.57 to 0.46. This season he is doing great at inter and is on 0.69. The shots per 90 though is the difference. He got 3.28, then 3.32 then 3.03 for Everton. It dropped significantly at Man Utd as his stats suffered and has soared to 3.19 again this season. Have a look at the numbers and you can see that his final season at Everton was one where he was deadly, but the two before that he was slightly down in each as he shot more often, and early, in order to beat the keeper. Link

This is Harry Kane Link so here you can see he gets off 5.32 shots per game. Hitting 0.78 xG per 90 that season, as he weighed in with 30 league goals. You can see that this season he's not getting the shots off and his numbers have suffered, but he is beating hs xG already by 3.10 and he's only ever beaten it by more than 4 once since they started collecting the data in 2014.

As above, Calvert-Lewin needs to shot more, and shoot early. The data shows he is doing well, but if he wants to do even better he needs to get past 3 shots per 90 minutes. Shots includes headers by the way.

Ray Roche 157Posted
02/01/2020 at
16:15:09

Steve, The figures for Kane, what are they without his penalties?They will surely make his figures look more impressive than they might be.

Steve Ferns 158Posted
02/01/2020 at
16:38:19

Ray, sadly, no. The professional analysts can pay for the statistics and they include an xG-P figure and an xG-P per 90 figure. Which, you guessed it, subtracts the penalties off.

Derek Knox 159Posted
02/01/2020 at
16:54:18

Jay @ 153, good shout that mate. I have always liked him when he was at Huddersfield, he was a different class to most of his team-mates then.

It often makes you think though, we must have had scouts assessing Jonas Lossl, before we got him on a free as back up for Jordan Pickford. Didn't they notice Aaron Mooy there too?

I remember going back a few years when scouts went to Southend to watch a certain Brett Angell, who we eventually signed to our misfortune.

There was a player alongside him in Stan Collymore, who they were oblivious to, and who eventually signed for our friends across the Park.

I know who got the better deal-Unbelievable Geoff!

Robert Tressell 160Posted
02/01/2020 at
17:01:41

Good strikers like Kane and Lukaku make shooting opportunities for themselves. DCL has to learn this if he's to score more than a pretty creditable 12 to 15 which he's on course for. Lukaku especially was focussed on goals and less so teamwork which is why he got a lot of grief on this site. DCL is more focussed on teamwork than goals (hence comparison to Graeme Sharp who I sadly only remember as a has been in a distinctly average side). Kane turned himself into a better striker by working on technique with Gylfi Sigurdsson amongst others. Hopefully DCL is doing the same. Whatever the case I think we've got a strong set of options up front with DCL, Kean and Richarlison.

Steve Ferns 161Posted
02/01/2020 at
17:55:01

Robert, hes already got 10, so Id say he was on course for 15-20 judging by being at the half way stage and now it seems he is finally a first team starter, likely to play the full 90, his goal tally could even increase.

Mike Gaynes 162Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:11:01

Steve #155-6, I posted some much simpler stats on another thread -- goals per minute, which I consider a fine metric for weighing a striker's productivity.

For this season DCL is scoring a goal every 150 minutes of play. By comparison:Kane: goal every 131 minutesRashford: 136Mane: 159Salah: 178Pukki: 207

Where the heck did you find that metric on passes that led to shots?? Who tracks that? Personally, I'm not the least bit surprised that this particular metric makes Gylfi look better than he is perceived -- he has the best passing vision of anyone in the club and is always attempting the cutting pass.

Steve Ferns 163Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:14:01

Understat Mike. The guys who are behind xG. Click on the link above.

Ray Roche 164Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:15:27

Thanks for the reply Steve.

Andy Crooks 165Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:21:58

Steve, Steve, Steve and Mike, too. I love this sort of stuff, but... could the eds not precede it with something like, this post might contain flash photography. It is mind melting.

Billy Roberts 166Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:34:52

Derek @159 I never knew that about Brett Angell playing at the same time as Collymore when we were looking at him.That is like a tragi- comedy !! Fuck knows who we had scouting for us in them days. Equally bad in a way was the glaringly good Les Ferdinand who regularly slotted goals against us as well as most other teams in a very average QPR team.I remember him saying that he would love to play for a team competing in European football when he was leaving QPR, we were in Europe and made no attempt to go for him, he went to Newcastle and kept tormenting us.I went to QPR during a very dicey relegation struggle, Brett Angel was " starring " for us Les Ferdinand was starring for them.Guess who scored ? Guess which team lost. The 90s and noughties could have been so much better.

Eddie Dunn 167Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:39:30

While I find the stats very interesting reading I doubt that DCL will do as well in the second half of the season.My reasons are simple. He has been underestimated by our opponents and has reaped the rewards of his hard work. may of his goals have been scrappy affairs, but they all count.In time I think that Moise Kean will turn out a higher scorer. He also has better control and more skill on the ball and given time (like Dom) I am sure he will develop into a top striker.I also suggest that now Domenic has had media exposure and paper talk has had him linked with a big money bid from United, defences will take him more seriously and his goals will be harder to come by.Nonetheless, he is an example of a lad with limited technique but a marvellous engine and superb athleticism and an ability to both hold it up, and win important headers. He is also no slouch and as he has put on a bit of muscle, he is giving big centre-backs a rough old game.As for Digne. He comes off surprisingly well in Steve's stats but for me, his play has been generally poor. He loses the ball too often, fails to beat the first man too often(corners), and he is on his arse half the game.One other thing, have we ever created a chance from one of his long throws?Perhaps he has been carrying little niggles this season, he had the recurring groin issue recently but I wonder whether he has had other problems.Remember when Baines had ankle problems and it was ages before we knew about them, and wondered why he failed to go past the halfway line. Also when poor Keane had his horrible ankle injury taht wouldn't heal, and he looked dreadfull for weeks. On another thread, someone (Steve?) mentioned that Tom had strapping on his leg but soldiered-on.It is worth considering when evaluating these lads.

Mike Gaynes 168Posted
02/01/2020 at
18:44:32

Eddie #167, any factual basis for your assertion that DCL "has been underestimated by our opponents"? What goals has he scored that you would cite as resulting from inattentive opponents? When have you seen him unguarded/ignored?

Eddie Dunn 169Posted
02/01/2020 at
19:01:24

Mike, no science involved but my thinking is along the lines of a centre back about to play Spurs with Kane up top, will lie in bed the night before thinking about how dangerous he is, and all of the wonderful goals he has scored. When he takes to the field, he will be right on guard and giving it his best. I would imagine that up against, DCL that centre back might not think he will have to be right on his game to the same extent. There is why I think Dom has done so well. He has been (subconsiously) underrestimated by defenders. Now he is in the papers, he will get closer attention.We see our own defenders relax a little (like Norwich at home) but much more alert when Chelsea came to town.

Eric Paul 171Posted
02/01/2020 at
19:13:33

I dont think any footballer at any level would underestimate an opponent.

Mike Gaynes 172Posted
02/01/2020 at
19:26:08

Actually, Eddie, by your reasoning the defenders would be better-rested and fitter facing DCL than Kane!

Justin Doone 173Posted
02/01/2020 at
19:27:28

I love stats but I trust my own eyes more.

DCL is a good player but it's his work ethic and hold up play that puts him in the team to begin with.

For me he's just not a natural striker. He's not greedy, selfish, confident or positive enough. He doesn't take the shot on often enough choosing to pass on the edge of the box rather than have that final swerve to touch the ball and shoot.

Rich is better but it's Tosun and Kean that are real strikers. They way they have that 'can I get a shot off' first thought, the way they strike the ball. DCL too often is trying to pass it into the net because he can't thump it on target.

However, it's definitely something he can improve on. Siggy being a great example to learn from.

Peter Neilson 174Posted
02/01/2020 at
19:58:07

God help him if Dominic is going to be taught by Tosun and Gylfi. I think hes doing OK without their influence.

Christy Ring 175Posted
02/01/2020 at
20:05:03

Derek & Billy @159/166 I remember reading, I think it was Big Nev's book, where it said, 'after Brett's first touch, his 2nd touch was a tackle'.

Billy Dawber 176Posted
02/01/2020 at
20:07:52

Richy must be one of the most ungifted Brazilians I have ever seen. He can certainly score goals but his general play i.e. passing, dribbling etc is piss poor to say the least. It's not all down to him to do everything right but the basics seem to be missing in this Everton team which is really frustrating. To think the training that goes in to get these so called stars to perform. We do need yet another clear out as mentioned on a few posts and we do need some good well trained individuals who can do the simple things well. The gaffer is not soft going off his vast experience and just maybe he will hopefully sort this mess out before it is too late. NSNO.

Billy Roberts 177Posted
02/01/2020 at
20:26:50

Christy@175, Ha yes I read that somewhere also, it was either that or a goal kick!!

It's funny how football has changed so much since them days, my older (I was in my 20s them in their 40) red workmates spent more time laughing at his name!!

They said he sounded like a cowboy from a cheap Western, he did play like an actor from a cheap Western.

Jon Withey 178Posted
02/01/2020 at
20:53:56

Disappointing performance more than the result. Let's hope we turn up for the other lot.

Eddie Dunn 179Posted
02/01/2020 at
00:00:53

Eric @171, blimey mate! Have you seen us play? How many games have we underperformed against shit teams, only to put in a shift against good teams? Says it all.

Dave Abrahams 180Posted
03/01/2020 at
09:28:12

I think the scouts used by the club want a good looking at, how some of the players weve bought in the last three or four years, not to mention the distant past, got here amazes me. Regarding some of them, one look would be enough to curtail future assessment, the money wasted should be claimed back as tax relief or something similar. One of the biggest waste of money was that spent on Walsh, hiring him from Leicester and wages for a glorified scout, and a useless one at that.

Eric Paul 181Posted
03/01/2020 at
09:42:21

Yes Eddie I watch us I am a season ticket holder, I think our problems run a bit deeper than players underestimating the opposition or I could be wrong and the good teams underestimate us

Darren Hind 182Posted
03/01/2020 at
10:10:04

"These days there is NEVER and understrength City side".

"We were NOT garbage.

Thank fuck for that. I was worried for a minute.

Classic Jay wood. A couple of words typed in bold and there you have it. The truth.. What REALLY happened.

City didnt play anywhere near their strongest side. They left world class players sitting on the bench. On top of that they still had injuries which have forced them to play with a defence and goalkeeper who have offered up more favours than a Nethy road prostitiute. . but they were "NOT understrength"..Oh no. This City side (unlike any other side in history) cannot be weakened... "There is no such thing as an understrength City team".

And we were NOT garbage either. Jays uses capitals doesnt he ? How could we have been ?.

So what if we couldnt get out of our half for the 40 of the first 45 minutes, So what if we repeatedly gave the ball away through unforced error. So what if we didnt test their "NOT" weakened defence until we were chasing the game. So what if despite sitting deep and trying to keep it tight, Jesus alone could and probably should have scored five... We were NOT garbage.

I think I've got the hang of this self proclaimed "positive" lark. All you have to do is use BIG capital letters when telling others that they should simply deny the evidence of their own eyes and everything will be Hunky Dory.

Oh.. and it helps if you can stick your fingers in your ears and go la la la.

David Hayes 183Posted
03/01/2020 at
14:28:16

Expectation built up, only to be blown apart by realality, once again.Why get so desperate for a few wins to proclaim,( and this is the mantra that makes me cringe) " In Don Carlo we tust ". didn't take long did it to attach a bang obvious nick name to a saviour in prospect, as though that makes him one of our own. Two more bad losses and and its " Sack everyone ". Can we not end the self propelling boom and bust predictable mindset amongst us fans and for once see that we don't use frustration as opinoin and support the toffees always with all of our hearts, and drive the club forward to the best it can be.

David Hayes 184Posted
03/01/2020 at
19:38:10

Ancelloti is a top class act, already in such a short time we are further to becoming a team to be proud of than I can remember. Keep the faith, if all you can muster is poor and siggys really poor then you are walloing in self depreciating shite of you're own mindset nothing to do with the massive effort the club expends to improve , if all you can see is poor then you need to look at yourself and stop looking for whipping boys and reasons to be down COYB in your blood for life

John Voigt 185Posted
03/01/2020 at
21:28:52

I wonder if Liverpool will rest some of their top players for Sunday's game.

Dick Fearon 186Posted
03/01/2020 at
22:13:23

Billy @176, some years ago we had a Brazilian named name of Fred. I remember a ToffeeWeb poster saying, '' of all the thousands of Brazilians in world football how did we end up with the only one that can't dribble. seems like we found another.

Billy Dawber 187Posted
04/01/2020 at
00:38:35

Dick @ 186, I must admit I don't recall a Fred playing for us but I can remember a few overseas players not being up to scratch as it where. The biggest game of the season looms for us and this is the time Richy needs to turn it on and frighten the lives out of the kopites. Hopefully the gaffer changes it around a bit just incase they have sussed us out with our tremendous attacking flair! Come on you blueboys.

Si Cooper 188Posted
04/01/2020 at
00:40:05

Dick, are you thinking of Jo?

Aaron Mooy has some talent but is he really top class? Does he dominate games or just drift in and out of them?

Why has no other top club snapped him up?

I think our players get over scrutinised on here and the same people are overly impressed by why amounts to occasional glimpses of players at other clubs. Ill trust Ancellotti and Brands to make their assessments of the likes of Richarlison and Bernard (who I think are being underrated) and decide whether they can easily replace them.

Billy Dawber 189Posted
04/01/2020 at
03:57:22

Just an observation that needs a shout, hats off to Steve Ferns who writes the most wonderful statistical information for us all to ponder over. I get tired just writing a few lines whilst Mr Ferns can write a novel or two giving us all this information. I must admit I scroll through alot of it and just pick the odd comment out but I do giggle to myself the amount of scrolling it takes before the next person gets in with their comments. Good on you Steve for being a keyboard warrior or do you have a receptionist doing the hard yards for you.

Justin Doone 190Posted
04/01/2020 at
18:43:38

Ancelotti and Everton are not a natural fit. The player's don't fit the style and the manager will doesn't fit the players.

My understanding of Ancelotti although limited is we will be investing heavily in players whilst undergoing another change in play, formation, setup, movement, possession etc more akin to Martinez possession based play rather than a fast attacking unit.

So we must learn to give a top quality manager time and money to get the team playing his way whilst hoping he and Brands can entice some serious quality players.

My lack of excitement on his appointment is that it's been several years since he's had success and is no longer wanted but the best clubs hence we have been able to bring him in.

He's 6 months to learn, 6 months to be judged and this time next year I hope it's been a successful and positive year otherwise I don't know who we would turn too.

David Hayes 191Posted
04/01/2020 at
20:20:30

Wake up. downtrodden toffees, we won't win every game by playing sublime attacking faultless exciting football, it Doesn't exist. Did Man utd win countless titles by angelic football but by cheating and by force of will 1 nil in games they got outplayed in, over and over again, penalties given by shit sacred referees, time added on till they scored. Desire. not to lose and bend the rules rule by fear is the key. This is where we need to be an unstoppable force driven to win, pretty football and hard work doesn't consistany win games, Desire not to lose at all cost does

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